Plum Tree [left of a pair of Plum Trees] c. late 17th century

Hasegawa Tōtetsu's "Plum Tree [left of a pair of Plum Trees]" (c. late 17th century) is a six-panel screen showcasing a detailed and delicate depiction of a plum tree in bloom. The artist's masterful brushstrokes bring the textured bark and delicate blossoms to life against a golden background, reminiscent of traditional Japanese ink painting, known as suibokuga. The screen's size and its placement as a pair suggest its intended use in a grand and formal setting. The plum blossom is a symbol of resilience, beauty, and spring in Japanese culture, making this artwork an elegant and evocative depiction of nature's delicate yet enduring power.